Amber had stood at the kitchen window, staring at the truck as it drove off. His truck. The man she was falling hard for. What had she expected, that he’d come groveling? The man wasn’t that way. No, he’s dominating and rugged, sexy and thrilling. She rubbed her eyes and willed herself to walk away. Hours had passed and he wasn’t going to try and get her to change her mind. Perfect. She’d fucked up again.

She dropped her head, loathing the entire situation as well as her actions. Camden didn’t deserve her full wrath, at least not from hiding his identity. While she had trouble believing that he’d come here just to find himself, the haunted look in his eyes was one she’d never forget. The man was tortured.

“Are you going to actually talk or stare out the window the entire time I’m here?” Pepper walked behind her, peering over Amber’s shoulder.

Nudging her BFF, she let out a long and exasperated groan. “What have I gotten myself into?”

“Let’s take stock.” Pepper eased onto the edge of the counter, swinging her legs, swirling her glass of wine. “You let your guard down with a complete stranger, albeit one sexy cowboy, who you swear is trying to destroy you. You put a kink, no pun intended, into your rather sinful relationship with a brooding Russian, who obviously doesn’t like to play second fiddle. You’ve declared war with the most powerful man in town and you’re about ready to lose your ranch to a financial institution that you believe might be working for your enemy. Did I forget anything?”

Grabbing her wine, she almost dropped the glass. Her entire body was trembling but not from fear or even anger. Anxiety was kicking her in the ass, the level at the point she was close to having an attack. The entire situation had become overwhelming, let alone dangerous. “Love.” Had she actually spouted off the word, let alone the concept?

“Excuse me? You’re in love with the cowboy or the brooding Russian?”

“He’s not a cowboy.”

“Well, excuse me,” Pepper laughed. “And that didn’t answer the question. Do you actually think you’re in love with this Camden guy?”

She eased away from the window and leaned against the counter. “I don’t know. What we shared for just a few hours was amazing. He’s kind and sweet, funny and dominating all at the same time.”

“Yep. You’re in love. Your face is red and you’re panting like a school girl.”

“Ugh!”

“Exactly, since you told him to get the hell out of your life.” Pepper lifted her glass. “Here’s to you, Little Miss Sunshine. Such good work in a few days.”

“Don’t tease me. I have no idea what to do.” Amber was beginning to think she was losing her mind. When Pepper remained quiet, she glanced over her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“Fine. Better than fine. So, did the investigators say anything about the fire?”

Amber shrugged. “That the full investigation will take time. When I questioned the possibility of a bomb, the fire chief blew me off. I guess a girl wouldn’t know about such things.”

“A bomb.” Grinning, she took a sip of her wine. “The man obviously doesn’t know you very well.”

“And here I thought my reputation preceded me.” What Jorge had mentioned, given his conversation with Camden, had been more than enlightening and made perfect sense. However, the timing of the blast made it seem like the explosion was personal. Could Drago really be involved? Yeah, she could see the man working for the highest bidder.

Pepper moved her glass back and forth in her hands. “All kidding aside. What you found in your father’s things is the reason that good ol’ Bart wants your ranch. He owns everybody in town. You need to look at your options very carefully.”

“I don’t know if what I found is anything more than my father’s fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, he loved the ranch, but if someone had suggested oil? He’d spend time determining the truth.” At least she had someone to confide in, even try and put the pieces of the puzzle together with.

“I remember how your father was. Did you go through everything? I’m happy to help if you need me to.”

Amber nodded. “I kinda want to do this by myself.”

“Oh. Okay. I understand.”

“My dad wasn’t the best record keeper and his methods were old school. A lot of hand written information, plus the graphs, some junk including keys. I don’t know what to make of everything.”

“But Camden is certain that the graphs depicted oil.”

“What if he’s a plant to throw me off?” Amber shrugged.

Pepper gave her a contorted face. “Would you listen to yourself? If Camden Dane, Mr. CEO of Rush Enterprises wanted to throw you off, he’d make you a decent offer on your ranch and you’d come to professional business terms. I spent a little time after you called looking up the company. Their reputation is stellar. They’ve had their share of issues, but there is nothing to indicate any wrong doing or criminal activity. In fact, just the opposite. However, he is a business man. Ever heard of Steele Industries?”

“Yeah. Mr. Steele and my father were old friends. I hated the man. I used to consider him a monster. He was terrible to his employees. My father used to tell me stories. I have no idea how he kept his company afloat for so many years.”

“We all heard them. Did you know that Rush purchased the site over a year ago and that all the horrible stories have gone away? And that the site is making tons of money?”

Amber looked at Pepper’s twinkling eyes. “So, the company is really on the up and up?”

“You bet. Why the man is here, I have no idea. Camden Dane is the most reclusive of the men involved. There is very little written about his private and personal life, except…” Pepper licked her glass.

“What?” She pointed her finger at her best friend. “If you know something, tell me.”

“There was a snippet of a story from a reporter yesterday morning about Rush. The new second headquarters is set to open and the article had some very odd language. Something about sins of the past. You know how reporters are. Claim to fame.”

She thought about what Camden had said to her and the way in which he’d said the words. What was he hiding? “The question that continues to bother me. If there’s really oil, why didn’t my father tell me directly?”

“Maybe because he knew you wouldn’t want to sell off any portion of the land but ask yourself this. What if you did? You have eight thousand acres, mostly unusable for ranching. What if you sold even a portion to get the bank off your back? You could even consider having another bank or investor take the note, thereby squelching any influence that Bart has.”

Amber frowned as she thought about the idea. “Not bad. How much land would I have to sell?”

“Honey, I’m a wedding planner, not an environmental engineer, but my guess is that if you tell Camden the truth, he might be able to help you. If. You. Dare.”

“Since when did you become a psychologist? In all your spare time?”

Pepper rolled her eyes as she jumped off the counter. “You need to talk to Camden. I don’t think you’re giving the man a fair shake.” She placed her hand on Amber’s arm. “Besides, Jorge is right that you need another person in your life that you can trust. He’s not going to be around for that much longer.”

Sadness crept into her mind as well as her heart. “I know. I can’t believe he’s dying.”

“Jorge is a tough old bird. He’ll hang on as long as you need him to, but for once, take my advice. Go see Camden. Don’t let him leave. You’ll never forgive yourself.”

“We have a party to plan for tomorrow. Notice I say ‘we’.” Amber tried to laugh, but the sounds was strangled, even fake.

“Along with planning ridiculously over-priced weddings, I also dabble in catering. I’ll plan the barbecue. You go see the love of your life.”

“And say what?” Love of her life. She’d sworn to herself that she wasn’t going to fall in love. Men were far too much trouble.

“You could try apologizing. I realize that’s not you, given you’re always right, but a handful of humility can work wonders for an opening conversation.”

Giving her friend the finger, she was forced to smile. “I was awful to him. Wasn’t I?”

“Terrible. You should ask for one of those spankings of yours. Penance. Isn’t that what you call it? Gifts work well too. My suggestion? Both.”

Amber shivered at the thought. Her mouth watered, her skin prickled. “What if he doesn’t accept?”

After taking a sip, Pepper winked. “Then. You. Beg.”

Camden stood at the river’s edge, his mind filled with memories, thoughts from the past. He had no idea how the reporter had found any information, or if she was bluffing, but the last thing he needed to have happen was Mitchell finding out from some blasted article. Leaving was in his best interest. Even though a part of him would be left at the ranch. His heart.

He wasn’t certain what he hoped Mitchell would find, but if there was a threat to Rush in addition to the various ranch owners, he would find a way to crush Randolph. Perhaps his anger could be used in a constructive manner. He glanced at the late afternoon sky. There would be no visit from Amber, no reconciliation. She’d made up her mind that he was her enemy.

At least he could still protect from afar. Somehow. Bart Randolph wanted her ranch and he had no doubt she needed the money. Selling would kill her.

After skipping a few rocks across the water’s surface, he wanted nothing more than a cold beer or two. Food? He couldn’t care less about. His muscles remained stiff, but the walk had actually eased some of the pain. Still, his gait was slow as he headed back to the cabin and was forced to admit, he’d grown almost fond of the aging little house. He snickered as he rounded the last corner, moving through the thick underbrush.

Stopping short, he studied the vehicle parked next to his truck. The small pickup was older and not one he’d seen around the ranch. Maybe it belonged to one of the ranch-hands. How nice. A visit. When he walked onto the porch, he was able to tell the cab of the truck was empty. And the front door was open a crack. A visit was one thing. Breaking and entering entirely something else.

Tamping back his anger, he moved forward with quiet steps and pushed open the door. “What the…” As he walked inside, he couldn’t have been more floored. There were candles lit in various corners and the small kitchen table had been cleared off, two plates and two wine glasses, along with gleaming silverware were placed with cloth napkins. He heard music coming from the kitchen, the lilting sounds of jazz music a surprise.

The scent of tomatoes and garlic wafted all throughout the small space, the delicious scents making his mouth water. “I don’t understand. Hello?”

He closed the door and stood with his back against the wood, inhaling once again. No one appeared but he sensed her presence, gathered a whiff of her exotic perfume. His cock was already hard, aching. As he walked further inside, he had no idea what to think. Out of the corner of his eye, he couldn’t have been more surprised seeing Amber coming toward him, her face pensive, her eyes darting back and forth.

“I knocked and waited,” she whispered.

“Breaking and entering is a crime in the parts where I come from.” Camden allowed a slight twang to slide into his voice.

“What happens to criminals in your parts?” Amber managed, a slight smile on her face.

He lifted his eyebrows as he rubbed his mouth. “They are usually severely punished.”

“Interesting.” She had a faraway look in her eyes. “The door was actually unlocked so I wasn’t breaking and entering.”

“Really? I guess I should be more careful.” His heart was racing.

“I brought gifts anyway, including dinner and wine, liquor and other treats. I wasn’t going to steal.” She moved out of the shadows. “I promise.”

“Other treats?”

“A bag full of them.” Her expression was wistful. Inviting.

Standing in a soft white dress, her feet bare, she was the most beautiful sight he’d seen in so very long. However, he refused to allow this to go any further. He didn’t want simply another round of intense sex. Going back to his life would be too difficult. “What are you doing here, Amber? I thought you wanted me to leave. Forever. I believe that’s what you told me.”

Amber’s breath sounds were labored, and she walked a few inches closer. “I did say that, and I meant the words at the time.”

“And now?” He clenched his fists and took a few steps toward her.

“I was a fool. I know that now.”

“Why? Why do you say that?” He was charged with adrenaline, every cell ready to break free from his skin. “I don’t want this unless you can trust me. That’s important. I hope you understand. Whatever you think of me, I guess you have your reasons, but I’m not a liar or a cheat. You can ask anyone.” The words seemed foreign to him. Maybe he was just trying to convince himself.

She looked away before wringing her hands and whispering. “I do trust you. I believe you and I want very much to be here. I don’t want you to leave, at least not now. Camden, I know you have another life, demons to fight. I was scared and hurt. I guess I still am.”

Camden wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms, hold her until the demons disappeared, but he was no fool. “And now?”

“I’m still terrified, but this is what I want. My father used to tell me that anything worth having means taking chances.”

His worry continuing, he allowed a strangled exhale to escape. “Your father was a wise man.”

“Besides, a little bird told me I was being an idiot.” Amber pressed the back of her hand across her mouth. “She was right. She usually is.”

“An idiot. That’s one word.” The tone teasing, he dared take another step.

“Okay, a bitch. I was an impetuous bitch. Better?”

“Hmmm…” Camden closed the distance. Her icy demeanor from before had changed. She almost seemed fragile, certainly vulnerable. The last thing he wanted to do was take advantage. Swallowing, the bile remained in the pit of his stomach, but he was determined to explore his feelings.

“What?” she whispered the question as she tipped her head.

“Your behavior was reprehensible.”

“That word was used as well. The little bird pretty much told me off.”

He blew across her face, allowing the hot breath to cascade down her neck to her cleavage. He could just make out the outline of her breasts. So beautiful. So sensuous. “Childish behavior accusing me of the unthinkable.”

“Maybe.”

Camden pinched her nipple between his fingers, using enough pressure that she yelped. “Maybe?”

“Yes. Yes, sir. You’re right.” She rose onto her tiptoes, her eyelids fluttering.

“Did this little bird have anything else to say?”

“That I should ask for punishment to pay penance.”

He lowered his head until he was able to brush his lips across her neck. “I think we should keep this little bird in a locked cage. She’s quite helpful.”

“Mmmm… She’d kick your ass.”

“She would, huh? Does she think she can handle me too?” Camden continued to whisper, brushing his lips across her jawline.

“If she tried…” Amber managed, the words almost inaudible, “then I’ll kick her ass.”

Chuckling, he cupped both arms, the tips of his fingers lightly touching as he eased his hands up to her shoulders. “I’d like to see that.” Moving around to her mouth, he darted out his tongue, tracing her lips. “Very much.” He crawled his hands to her neck, fingering with a gentle caress.

“Yes…” She pressed the palms of her hands against his chest and arched her back.

“What do you want?”

“Everything.”

“Ask,” he murmured, nipping her lower lip and sliding his lips down to her chin and neck then continuing to the top of her chest.

“Oh!” She clung to him, her fingers wrapped around his shirt. “Camden.”

“Ask…” The word trailed off as he used his teeth to slide the material down, exposing her hardened nipple. He mouthed the tender bud, allowing his breath to dance across her skin.

As she lolled her head back, a slight moan slipping past her lips, she began to quiver, the sheen of perspiration glistening. “Please…”

“Yes?” His action became more demanding, his hunger bridging the surface.

“Please spank me.”

“Does that mean you’re sorry?” He was tingling, his blood pumping and the taste of her skin was sweet, a powerful aphrodisiac. He sucked on her nipple, pulling the tender flesh between his teeth. With the other hand, he tugged on the hem of her dress, tugging the material up the back of her thighs and cupping her buttocks.

“God! Oh, yes, sir. I’m so very… sorry.” Whimpering, she jutted her hips forward, almost losing her balance. “Spank me hard. Very hard.”

His cock was aching to the point he was in agony, desire mixing with the need to dominate every ounce of her. She needed to learn her lesson, but he wanted so much more. Peppering her chest and neck with kisses, he captured her mouth, sliding his tongue inside. As she wiggled back and forth, creating a heated round of friction, he almost lost his control, wanting to thrust his cock deep inside her wet pussy.

She entwined her tongue with his, her actions aggressive, almost savage. Her moans were guttural, vibrant and filled with longing.

He allowed the kiss to continue until he could no longer focus. Pushing her shoulders, he broke the hold and kissed her forehead. “Dinner will have to wait.” Stepping back, he held out his hand.

She nibbled her lower lip before taking his hand.

As he headed toward the small kitchen, he said a silent thank you. Whatever was going to happen with her ranch wouldn’t matter tonight. They were together. He yanked out a kitchen chair and eased down. “A spanking before dinner. A spanking after.”

“You’re mean.”

“I’m serious. Cowboy way.”

“Wait. You’re no cowboy,” Amber teased then took a step back.

He shook his head. “I’ll wrangle you up a bull later. Deal?” Grabbing her hand, he tugged her forward, rubbing his fingers across her hands. She was trembling.

“I’ll hold you to it.”

Winking, he eased her over his lap, tugging her dress up and over her thighs and hips. She was wearing a thong, the slender white G-string hidden between the cleft of her ass. The white on white, her porcelain skin against the dress was far too delicious. She seemed like less of a vixen and more of a fragile doll, one requiring care and attention. What the hell was he thinking? This couldn’t be forever. But here and now?

She shuddered as she dangled over his lap, resting her palms on the floor.

“Trust. Respect. I do mean what I say. That is so important. Vital.” Why was he concentrating on the words? Why now?

“I know.”

Smack! Crack!

Panting, she kicked out her leg.

Pop! Smack!

The way his hand was already stinging was invigorating and he gazed at his palm, imagining this every day.

Slap! Pop!

“Ouch! Fuck! That hurts like hell!”

He grinned. The true spitfire had returned. “Remember what I told you about cursing?”

“Yes!”

“Yes?” He was amused but knew he’d be required to tame the tiger.

“Yes, sir!”

Smack! Slap! Crack! Pop!

He peppered each ass cheek, one after the other. Harder. Faster.

Slap! Smack!

“You’re going to learn not to push so hard,” he stated as he rubbed her back.

“Impossible,” she hissed between gritted teeth.

Crack! Pop!

“Then you’re going to have a bruised ass every day.”

Whack! Smack!

She struggled, moaning, cuss words continuing to slip past her mouth. “Fuck!”

“That’s it.” Easing her off his lap, he took her hand, dragging her along. “Do you remember what I told you yesterday?” he asked as he headed to the sink.

“You wouldn’t!” Amber pulled against his hold, trying her best to get out of his grip. “Oh, no.” She wiggled hard.

“Oh, no you don’t.” He yanked her to the counter and reached underneath, pulling out a fresh bar of travel size ivory soap. “I just so happened to find an entire collection in the bathroom closet. I have to wonder about the last cowboy who stayed here.” Letting her go, he peeled away the wrapper. “Maybe he was a take no shit kind of man and very much into discipline. Perfect size. Perfect brand. Perfect to use for washing a bad girl’s mouth out with soap.”

“You are freaking kidding me.” Her eyes flashed.

“Do I look like I’m kidding you?”

Amber exhaled and wrinkled her nose. “No.”

“No?”

“No, sir!”

“You’d be right.” He turned on the water, sliding the bar back and forth under the stream. “You’re a professional woman. Cursing all the time? Childish.” He heard the lilt in his voice. “When I was a little boy, my mother used soap, hell, once a week and trust me, I eventually learned. I was hardheaded, but I learned. Open your mouth.”

“You cursed.”

“I’m allowed. Open up.”

She bit her lip.

“Open your mouth or the spanking after dinner will be worse.”

Giving him an evil eye, she opened her mouth slowly.

“Stick out your tongue. Come on.”

“You’re going to get it for this.”

He lifted a single eyebrow. “What did you say?”

“Not a thing.” Amber stuck out her tongue.

Camden slid the bar back and forth across her tongue then placed the soap in her mouth. “Bite down. You’re going to hold this as we finish your spanking.”

Her eyes were open wide, but she obeyed, tearing up almost the instant she closed her mouth.

He gripped her hand, taking her back to the chair. All his life, he’d craved this kind of relationship, since his amazing journey with Sarah. She’d been the one to truly open his eyes, to allow him to understand the man inside. She’d convinced him to live a domestic discipline lifestyle, sharing pictures and stories, websites and forums. She’d been instrumental in the man he’d become.

“Twenty more.”

Pop! Slap! Crack! Whack!

She struggled then calmed down, moans floating past the intrusion.

Smack! Whack!

He was shaking, his heart thumping against his chest.

Crack! Pop!

After a few seconds, she calmed down, her body limp.

He brushed his hand through his hair then clamped his fist, willing the nerves to die down. They both wanted this, craved what they could give each other.

Smack! Slap!

She wiggled back and forth, this time, the move overtly sexual, grinding her groin against his crotch.

He was hot and horny, his cock aching, his balls not just blue, but shaded the intense color of neon blue.

Crack! Pop! Slap!

“You were very good,” he managed, his voice croaking, as he eased her off his lap, gently taking the soap from her mouth. He could see mixed feelings in her eyes, a quiet joy yet there was more, and he was surprised.

There was also love.

“Do you really think there’s oil under my land?” Amber asked. The dinner dishes had been cleared and they remained at the table, the only light the two candles slowly burning to the end. She swirled the tip of her finger around her wine glass, her thoughts reeling. They’d kept the conversation light at dinner, but the fact he’d been forthcoming about his work at Rush Enterprises had added credence to her ability to trust.

“I only grabbed a quick glance at the graphs, but if they are any indication, I’d venture a guess yes. That can be solved with bringing in some folks from my El Paso office. I have staff that use various technology to locate oil in the most remote areas, patches of land you’d never guess held black gold.” Camden took a sip of his whiskey and sat back in his seat, his face pensive.

“Would you be willing to do that? I’ll pay what I can, although it can’t be very much.” She hissed, her thoughts drifting to her dwindling bank account.

“I have no problem lending you some of my staff members free of charge if you’d like. Keep in mind, if you find out that you have a rich vein, the information will get out. You’ll have every corporate oil company in the region vying to get a piece.”

“I’m not certain I have any other choice.”

Camden studied her. “Really that bad?”

She took a sip of wine then a gulp. “I can’t lie much longer to the crew. They deserve time to find another job. If we have a decent season, I can continue paying their wages, maybe pay off a few of the bills. Very few.”

“Damn shame. Such a beautiful ranch. You’re certain about this?”

She shrugged. “I’m not entirely certain of anything, but my father kept the records private for a reason. And you know? I have a distinct feeling that Bart Randolph knew this all along. As soon as my father died, he was hovering around, sending gifts and food, pretending to be my friend. I could see right through his bravado bullshit, but he refused to stop. When I put him in his place, that’s when he started getting nasty, issuing veiled threats, insinuating that he had something on my father.”

“And you have no idea what that might be?”

“None. Not really anyway. They were one-time business partners years ago, but the partnership was broken long before I was born. Just stories my father eventually told me.” Amber remembered the way her father offered the slim information and when she’d pressed, he’d pushed back, shoving the entire experience under the rug.

“Maybe there’s more to the story.” Camden took her hand into his, rubbing his fingers back and forth. “If you let me, I can help. I do have a little bit of experience with business.” He grinned then rubbed his jaw. “I’m sorry I didn’t come clean about Rush Enterprises right away. I have my reasons and I didn’t want anyone to find out I was here.”

“Why did you walk away from Rush? I understand you needed a break, but from what you’ve told me, you loved your job.”

“I did, and I still do. Rush was built mostly from digging in the dirt with my buddy Mitchell. We worked seven-day weeks, fourteen-hour days to get it off the ground for almost two years. I love what I do, but I’m not the best man for the CEO position. Mitchell is.”

“You care a lot about him.” Amber knew the answer. She could see it in his eyes.

“He’s a good man, one of the best kind. That’s why leaving was a difficult decision, but I never intended on leaving permanently. I don’t know. Granted, I’ll have to face this DUI charge and I doubt the courts will care who I am.” He chuckled then groaned. “I was an idiot.”

“Yeah, you were, but there is a significant reason. Isn’t there?” She could tell he wanted to open up, to allow the demons to be freed. “More than what you’re willing to tell me.”

He waited before saying anything. When he did, his words were laced with the kind of haunting quality that you could never forget. “I was in love once in my life. She was everything to me, but her father didn’t approve of our relationship in any manner, so we pretended to break up and hid the fact that we were together. We spent over a year living that way together, happy as can be but very poor. She’d left Dallas and the money in her trust. For me. The time spent was amazing and we were so close.”

“You shared a different lifestyle?” Amber had so many questions, so many thoughts, but he had to be the one to share aspects regarding his life.

No matter how damning.

Camden chuckled. “Anybody ever tell you that you have a defining way of getting answers?”

“All the time. Along with getting exactly what I want.”

“Remind me never to get into a poker match with you.”

She rolled her eyes.

“If you mean did we engage in a less traditional lifestyle given what you know about me. Yes. She convinced me that domestic discipline would keep our love entwined, creating a more passionate relationship. She was right as she usually was, but I’d always been dominating, even before I met her. I realized that the moment we entered into the lifestyle.”

“Love thrived.”

“More than you know.” His hand shook when he took a sip of his drink.

“What else? What happened?” When he exhaled, she held out her hand. “I know. Stop prying, Amber.”

He gave her a waning smile. “Sarah died of cancer. The disease took her so quickly. I was devastated. By then we weren’t together, even though I never wanted to be apart. Too much was going on.”

Amber gripped his hand. “I’m so sorry. That’s terrible, especially for someone so young.”

“And she died alone.”

“What? What did you say?”

He snorted, brushing his hand through his hair several times. “Long story. She broke it off for various reasons, but one was to be with her father. He was having difficulty with his oil company and I only found out later that he’d threatened her. I hated her for months and pushed myself into work. Mitchell had a great idea of forming an oil company and we worked hard. I wanted to forget.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” She brought his fist to her mouth, kissing his fingers.

“Well.” He finally looked her in the eyes. “Sarah was Mitchell’s sister.”

“Oh, no.”

“Yeah. And no, Mitchell didn’t know the full story, although he told me later that he suspected. You see, we purchased his father’s company, well merged in truth, but Mitchell had a vendetta against his father for various reasons, so the entire situation was damning right from the start. I used to think Rush was cursed. Sometimes, I still do. When I lost Sarah, I lost a part of myself and I haven’t been able to love again. I just couldn’t seem to drag myself out of the black hole.”

“But you did.” She could tell he was hiding more of the story. “Mitchell wasn’t angry?”

“No, he was consoled by the fact that Sarah was happy for a time. Their childhood was anything but. Still, the entire situation hangs over my head.”

“But that’s not why you left everything you knew and cared about to find some menial labor job. I know better.”

Camden exhaled slowly. “Not all of the reason. I don’t think I really grieved after finding out about her death. There didn’t seem to be any time, or the right time. Everything in my life has caught up with me. I’m just no longer certain who I am.”

“I know who you are. You’re quite the man. Handsome. Intelligent. Creative. Sexy. And one damn amazing disciplinarian.”

He chuckled and held up his glass. “To one feisty woman.”

She grinned and squeezed his hand. He had enough problems without attaching her dreadful life, the trouble she could be in onto his.

“Mmm… You better be careful. That’s not going to get you out of your second spanking. You better know that.”

“Would I do such a thing?”

“You would. I think we should get that over with. I think, lady, that I want to be a part of your life for longer than today, tomorrow or next week.”

She could tell he was serious, as if the damn had broken, guilt that had been eating his conscience and his very soul might be set free. And she wanted to open her heart, capture the man she adored, but she knew one thing clearly. “Camden.”

“Shh… Let’s not talk any longer. Come with me.” Rising to his feet, he held out his hand, his eyes imploring.

She would do this alone. She had to do this her way.

And Camden Dane wasn’t going to become a part of her life.